Support Groups in Vancouver, BC
A six week virtual counselling group focused on learning how to navigate grief and loss. The group begins on Wednesday, May 15 and will run for 6 weeks. The group is facilitated by our intern counsellors Olivia Armstrong and Cheyenne Ling. The cost for the group is pay-what-you-can with a recommended minimum of $10 per session. To register, email us at info@emergence-counselling.com

Hosted by Olivia Armstrong
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V6E
Greetings and Welcome to my page! I work with clients who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, life changes, trauma, feeling overwhelmed by life in general, or just looking to improve themselves. Using a client-centered approach, I aim to empower you to become your own therapist. Through embodied interventions, you will be guided to understand how to harness the power of your neuroplasticity; The rewiring of old patterns in our brains to create new, more adaptive patterns. I believe that within you exists the inherent capacity to heal, and we aim to support you in fostering this healing process.
VPC is pleased to offer an evidence-based, fun group experience to help ease anxiety in kids. In a friendly environment, this will help members to 'get' what anxiety is all about + will teach skills to overcome anxiety. Educating kids to be in charge of their thoughts with a focus on understanding the cycle of anxiety thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Mastering simple + fun Mindfulness and Cognitive-Behavioural skills to squash anxiety. Next group: Fall 2020. $395 /child for 10-hours of programming www. vancouverpsychologycentre.com /resilient-minds-kids-anxiety-group/

Hosted by Vancouver Psychology Centre
Psychologist, PsyDs, PhDs, RCCs, BCATR, CCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V5Y
The Vancouver Psychology Centre is a group of like-minded professionals here to provide evidence-based assessment, consultation and treatment to all ages who seek greater happiness and meaning in their lives. Our Psychologists, Counsellors, Art Therapists and Youth Care Workers use the science of psychology and apply it to the goals of positive emotion and connection. We highlight people's strengths and use Positive Psychology's science and techniques to maximize positive emotion, virtuous personal characteristics, fulfilment with life and to improve connection with others.
Group Supervision/Consultation for 2 – 4 participants: I offer clinical supervision and consultation to individuals and small groups of beginning, intermediate and experienced counselling professionals. My role is to create a supportive safe space, where you feel comfortable to share, brainstorm and connect. You will come away with new perspectives and practical ideas to use with clients. With over 1000 hours of providing supervision and clinical consultation, my goal is to empower you, “the helpers” to feel confident, effective and well supported.

Hosted by Integrate Counselling
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V6J
Hi, I'm Sandy Kirkwood
- I’m truly passionate about counselling because I believe that with the right therapist at the right time, counselling can be life-changing! If you’ve worked with other therapists and come away feeling disappointed, then you know how important it is to find the right fit. At Integrate Counselling, we are a team of heart-centered therapists - Nate Torhjelm, Ferdie Mateos, Spencer Bowman, Esther Chu and myself - and we combine expert knowledge and experience with the right mix of empathy, warmth and wisdom. And our first priority is you.
Join the LGBTQIA+ Art Hive, a monthly online gathering for trans and queer adults across Canada. This informal space allows for self-directed art projects in a supportive community setting. Hosted by two transgender women, including an art therapist, it’s a place to create, connect, and inspire. Bring your art supplies and join us in this inclusive and welcoming space. Welcome to the LGBTQIA+ Art Hive!

Hosted by Clayre Sessoms
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RCT, RCAT, CCC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V6B
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by past harm? Maybe you long for better boundaries, clearer connections with yourself and others, or freedom from old patterns that no longer serve you. You might be searching for more stability or deeper self-trust. I’m Clayre, a queer trans woman and experienced trauma therapist. Together, we’ll create a compassionate, affirming space for healing, growth, and renewed self-discovery—no matter who you are or how you identify.
Psychodynamic therapy groups are recommended for people interested in creating deeper changes within themselves and their relationships. They are similar to support groups, in which members are encouraged to connect and share their personal lives and mental health/relational challenges. The groups also involve members sharing how they experience each other, along with any emotions that may arise. The Wednesday group starts at 5:30pm PST / 8:30pm EST and runs for 80 minutes each week - please see ninajankovic.com for more information.

Hosted by Nina Jankovic
Counsellor, MA, RCC, CCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V6B
I offer psychodynamic individual and group therapy, recommended for those who have grown up in invalidating/harmful environments in which they were not heard, and rarely attuned to. You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, relationship difficulties, attachment injuries, heightened shame, existential questions, and have a desire to develop a better relationship with yourself along with others. Prospective psychodynamic clients have largely moved beyond immediate trauma responses and are looking to explore more deeply.
In this group we work on unraveling our 'inner critic'. Working towards self-compassion, rather than self criticism. This is beneficial as it helps us resist shame and self blame. I use the works of Kristen Neff, Pema Chodron and Tara Brach in this group. ** OFFERING, FEBRUARY 5, 12, 19, 26/ 2025** FNHA and CVAP funding approved.

Hosted by Jenny Lynn Simpson
Counsellor, MA , RCC, BEd
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V5L
Moments of struggle are inevitable. However, when we are at a crossroads, we can begin seeing ourselves more clearly. My practice, Liminal Space Counselling, is founded on the idea that the space between two points in our lives is a chance to reflect and begin again.
I also offer a group on Self Compassion. (Currently accepting clients for Feb. 2025 Group)
Are you a survivor of Childhood Trauma? Do you want to have healthy relationships? Be a better parent, partner or friend? This closed group is designed for survivors of childhood trauma. We will explore the family of origin dynamics as well as intergenerational trauma. In this group, you will learn how to regulate emotions, and how to be present in relationships. We explore your true self while examining the false self that developed in childhood as a way to adapt to the dysfunction you experienced in your home. You must be a regular client of Trauma Transformed to attend.

Hosted by Trauma Transformed Emdr Ptsd Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RCC, RSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V6B
I work with post-trauma injuries that are accumulated over time. My specialty is treating post-trauma injuries (PTSD) that are accumulated over multiple incidents seen within first responder populations such as police, RCMP, Canadian Forces and health care professionals. I also work with survivors of childhood trauma. If you are experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, agoraphobia, hyper-vigilance, intrusive thoughts or images, I use EMDR to treat these symptoms. Sometimes, my clients need a safe place to understand what has happened to them. If that's you I am here to listen.
Monthly online support group for women, who are struggling to conceive, experiencing pregnancy loss, or undergoing fertility treatment. Infertility can be incredibly isolating which can have a negative impact on a person’s mental health. This support group session is facilitated by our Registered Clinical Counsellor, Leeya Schachter, and has been designed to help clients feel less alone through connecting with others who understand their struggles. As someone who has personally experienced infertility, Leeya creates an environment for women to connect and she will provide support and tools to help you manage the unknowns of infertility.

Hosted by Leeya Schachter
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V6C
Many people who struggle with infertility, miscarriage, birth trauma, or postpartum depression and anxiety report feeling alone and that no one understands them. These challenges can trigger complex emotions such as feeling lost, helpless, angry, numb, or hopeless about the future. For many individuals, when they feel lost or hopeless, they just want to feel validated and understood. When they're feeling stuck, they want to know that it won't be like this forever and they may want help finding their way forward. Working with a therapist who understands these struggles can help a person feel seen and allow them to find their way.
Inspired by one of my clients who got joy when baking, I developed the cook with a counsellor program to help people with mindful eating and stay focused during cooking. Eating healthy is essential for self-care. If you like food and are interested in the group, please send me an email, claire.returntolove@gmail.com. I can add you to the list. The group is recommended for adults. Benefits: Fun, time/stress management, self-esteem, communication/social skills, wake up 5 senses, teamwork, joy to share food with loved ones, a life skill.

Hosted by Claire (Junjie) Zhang
Counsellor, MBA, MACP, RCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V6B
Hi, I am Claire, a life coach, yin yoga teacher and Registered Clinical Counsellor. I enjoy helping people identify and achieve their personal goals by coping with the issues causing them anxiety and stress. I offer online, in-person, email and walk&talk, EMDR, HypnoReiki - Energy Healing therapy, and workshops. I work with a wide range of clients: level-up, multicultural, dating, relationships, sports performance, traumatic brain injury, business owners, financial issues and career counselling. I look forward to collaborating with clients to find the best route to promote their growth.
This workshop for women with ADHD is an invitation to embrace your neurodivergence with other women. During this one-day workshop, you will learn about, discuss, and reflect on your own ADHD experiences and challenges that have been shaped by how women are treated in a patriarchal society. https://shorturl.at/E0eur

Hosted by Darcie Brown
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V6J
My clinical expertise focuses on anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment, neurodivergence, life transitions, abuse, and relationships. I have provided psychological services in non-profit and private practice. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds. I completed the advanced training for Trauma Integrating Flow Therapy (Tift) which I primarily use with clients. I also finished my certification in Lifespan Integration therapy and EMDR training. My research explored how self-compassionate parents of twice-exceptional children thrived despite the extra challenges they faced raising complex kids.
The DBT skills group program is a 26 week course that teaches DBT related skills such as managing and coping with overwhelming emotions (emotion regulation), building healthy relationships (interpersonal effectiveness), and tolerating emotional distress without making matters worse (distress tolerance) to adolescents and their parents/caregivers. The group is led by two of our clinicians and there are a maximum of 5 families in the group. Many participants will complete the program twice (i.e. one year) to consolidate the skills. Please note, this is not a drop-in class and the adolescent must see an individual therapist regularly.

Hosted by DBT Centre of Vancouver
Treatment Centre, PhD, RPsych, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V6Z
At the Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Centre of Vancouver, we use compassionate, scientifically supported treatments to help people achieve goals that are important to them and increase the quality of their lives. Our clinicians provide evidence-based individual, group, and family services. We have a full DBT program, including individual therapy, telephone consultation, skills training groups, and a consultation team and also offer other Cognitive Behavioural (CBT) and Mindfulness & Acceptance Based Treatments. In addition, we regularly train and consult with mental health providers across Canada.
Join art therapists Jill Sones and Andrea Rodgers for a 5-week art therapy group focused on connecting with creativity. This group encourages self-expression and self-awareness through art-making, emphasizing the creative process rather than learning art techniques or skills. Participants will engage with various materials that facilitate open-ended exploration and personal expression. Each session centres on building a connection with the materials, art making process, and artwork created, offering a gentle pathway for self-discovery and insight. No prior art experience is needed. Email for more info regarding dates and registration.

Hosted by Andrea Rodgers
Art Therapist, BA, DVATI, RTC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V5L
It can be challenging to articulate our emotions and experiences - using art materials in therapy can help us express and more deeply understand ourselves. Art therapy can support those wishing to explore stress, anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, grief and loss, trauma, life direction, chronic illness and more. I aim to support each client as they grow and heal, restore internal balance and harmony, and connect with the sparks that align them with their most authentic and whole selves. Sessions combine talk therapy with art making - art expressions can offer wisdom and insight as clients embark on their therapeutic journey.
The 6-session Parenting Training Group is designed for Mandarin speaking Chinese parents, who are interested in enhancing their parenting skills, improve parent-child relationship and improve their Emotional Intelligence.

Hosted by Isabella S P Jiang
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V6C
As a bilingual counsellor fluent in both English and Chinese, I offer a unique perspective that bridges Western and Chinese cultures to help clients discover their own distinctive identities. My counselling approach is comprehensive, utilizing post-modern narrative theory to view clients as whole individuals, rather than pathologizing or labeling them. I work with clients aged 18 and up, including seniors, and specialize in parent-adult children relationship counselling, career-related issues, and couple counselling.
For people with intense emotions and overwhelming thoughts. This group is designed to support you build an emotional regulation toolkit. We learn about the function of emotions, talk about how to identify and name emotions How to reduce the intensity of emotions when they arise. How to decrease your vulnerability to emotions, and learn and practice effective ways to express emotions!

Hosted by Regina Banales-Lopez
Counsellor, RTC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V6K
I want to understand who you are and unpack the contents of your mind with you. When traumatic events or negative experiences aren’t processed, they can take shape in behaviour, habits, feelings, thoughts and relationship dynamics. I offer a therapeutic journey to disarm the loops in your mind and work towards loosening their grip in your life. Whether you're feeling anxious, jaded, overwhelmed, empty, frozen, or feel your experiences are embarrassing or shameful, I believe you are worthy and deserving of being met with acceptance, care and connection.
Matty Devenish Therapy is offering a group for those who are interested in understanding and resisting the influence of Depression. Many people have consulted with me about their struggles with Depression. They've shared feeling consumed by: negative, hate-filled thoughts about themselves, feeling full of despair and hopelessness, suicidal thinking, intense shame and a sense of worthlessness. My experience has shown that group counselling can interrupt this story. It provides an opportunity to share one's own experience and also an opportunity to share strategies to finding freedom from Depression.

Hosted by Matty Devenish
Counsellor, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V6J
Throughout my work I have supported many people who are struggling with: depression, anxiety, negative thoughts about oneself, addiction, dis-ordered eating, self-harm, suicidal thinking, sexuality, gender identity, sexual orientation, issues related to racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia, grief and loss, men's issues, anger and frustration.
I encourage you to contact me if you are experiencing any of these struggles. Exploration with another person can help us to re-author our relationship to problems and begin to move towards our preferred ways of being in the world.
Seeking Safety is an evidence-based, present-focused counseling model to help people attain safety from trauma and/or substance abuse. It can be conducted in group (any size) and/or individual modality. It is an extremely safe model as it directly addresses both trauma and addiction, but without requiring clients to delve into the trauma narrative (the detailed account of disturbing trauma memories), thus making it relevant to a very broad range of clients and easy to implement. (Taken from Treatment Innovations)

Hosted by Rick Johal
MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V6H
Sometimes it’s hard to notice when things aren't going well. It might be subtle signs that pop up at the end of the day. You feel like the day is going well and you’re keeping busy. But as soon as you have a moment of silence, your mind starts to cycle through things that you just don't want to think about. Do you find it hard to sit still and be at peace in these moments? Do you distract yourself as much as possible just so you don’t listen to your own thoughts? Maybe you have a hard time completing any of your important tasks? These are all normal reactions. Signals that your body is giving you to pay attention to.
I will offer group mindfulness sessions conducted in a comfortable Japanese spa-like setting with tiles treated with anti-oxidant, nutrient-rich solutions that may help to reduce oxidative stress. Mindfulness can help to decrease severity of psychopathological symptoms as well as improve overall life functioning. The fully-clothed experience aims to provide traditional group-therapy benefits that include guided support to form healthy social connections and normalization of shared experiences via the interactions amongst fellow members. Potential additional benefits may include increased physical relaxation and improved physiological functioning by the Japanese hot-tile spa experience. Drop-ins accepted!

Hosted by Julie Chang
Counsellor, RCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V5N
Welcome to the first step of your journey to flourishing mental health with me. I look forward to supporting you while you explore, reflect, and find the ideal self you would like to become psychologically, physically, and spiritually. I believe in a world where people achieve flourishing mental health. To do so, I am helping individuals such as yourself one at a time to gain more control of their lives and to become versions of themselves they envision. I promise to try my best to treat you with absolute worth, to respect your autonomy, and to give you the therapy experience you want using Directing, Following, or Guiding Style.
This group is for Chinese immigrant parents to strengthen your parenting skills and a journey of self-discovery. Parenting is influenced by culture and values although in the case of adolescents who have gone through the immigration process, acculturation can have great impact on the psychosocial adjustment of your adolescent who are conflicted by the push and pull of two cultures. For 8 sessions, you will learn effective parenting strategies, set realistic expectations, improve communication with your adolescent; develop the confidence and skills to handle confrontations and conflict peacefully and enjoy being yourself and connect with your adolescent.

Hosted by Ginny Wong
Counsellor, MC, RCC-ACS, BSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V6K
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and approved clinical supervisor with over 35 years of experience as a social worker and clinical counsellor serving clients from all cultural backgrounds. I am an approved service provider for the Crime Victim Assistance program and ICBC clients. For the past 30 years, I have been working as a settlement counsellor and parent educator helping immigrants, refugees, and international students who are adjusting to life in Canada. I worked at The Canadian Red Cross and managed a team of volunteers that provided emotional support to parents and caregivers dealing with critically ill children.
A virtual DBT-informed group for those who have experienced trauma. This group teaches the DBT skills of Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Distress Tolerance and Emotion Regulation. We incorporate information on trauma responses and added resources and skills drawn from trauma therapies. The cost is $400/5 week module. Email now to secure a spot. FNHA eligibility. Sliding Scale Spots available

Hosted by Emotion Wise Counselling
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, RCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V6B
Hi! I'm April the founder and director of Emotion Wise Counselling. I started Emotion Wise out of a passion to create a practice that offered the highest level of care for clients who have experienced trauma and complex mental health issues. We work strategically to build tools for emotional regulation, increasing your feelings of safety and self-understanding and heal underlying trauma. It is my hope that you will experience renewed growth in your life by working with our team of counsellors.
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the creative process of making art as a therapeutic technique to improve a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight. Hannah is a trained professional with a background in both art and counselling. She will guide clients through activities such as drawing, painting, sculpting, or collage.

Hosted by Innerverse Therapy
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V6Z
We work with individuals, couples, and families to address a wide variety of concerns. Areas of focus may include: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Marital issues, Separation, Divorce, Parenting, Relationship problems, Addictions, Low self-esteem, Assertiveness, Anger, Communication, Career issues, Grief, Aging, Health issues.
See more therapy options for Vancouver
FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Vancouver?
Search for nearby support groups by inputting your city, postal code, or the name of the group into the search bar. From there, you can filter to find a group that suits your needs, whether you are looking for support for a teenager, a group that focuses on a specific issue, such as depression, or a particular program type, such as one geared toward developing social skills. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postal code into the search bar.
How does group therapy work?
Therapy groups are led by one or more therapists and serve to help people process their experiences and learn from others who understand their challenges firsthand. They can be based on a specific issue, such as addiction, grief, physical illnesses, parenting, and caregiving. They can involve a specific type of program or therapy, such as a social skills group or CBT group. They can also be specific to a particular population or community, such as teens or LGBTQ.
Support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, also focus on a specific issue, but are typically led by members with lived experiences and are less structured than therapy groups. Most therapy groups will meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.
Support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, also focus on a specific issue, but are typically led by members with lived experiences and are less structured than therapy groups. Most therapy groups will meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.
What are the benefits of group therapy?
Support groups help connect people with shared challenges or physical and mental health conditions. In a group setting, participants can receive support and feedback from peers and can acquire new skills, strategies and perspectives by listening to one another. Discussing your experience with someone who also has a cancer diagnosis, or whose son also struggles with addiction, for example, can help you feel less alone, reduce distress, find empathy and connection, and learn practical or medical information that has helped others. Group therapy can also be a more affordable option than individual therapy and just as effective.
Is group therapy as effective as individual therapy?
Support groups can be deeply valuable for both emotional support and/or treatment outcomes. It’s difficult to make a blanket statement on efficacy due to the many different types of support groups and conditions treated, but group therapy has been found to be just as effective as individual therapy in establishing long-term abstinence for conditions such as substance abuse, addiction and alcohol abuse.
How much does group therapy cost?
Group counselling is typically less expensive than individual counselling, with each session costing on average about $90 to $100. Meanwhile, individual therapy sessions can run anywhere from $100 to $200. It is possible to find low-cost group therapy options and many therapists offer group sessions free of charge.
Does insurance cover group therapy?
If you have private insurance, your plan may cover some if not all of your group therapy sessions. You should contact your insurance provider to determine if they provide coverage for group therapy sessions and to determine what, if any, requirements they might have in order for your sessions to be covered, such as a referral from your GP or medical specialist.
How long does group therapy last?
The length of a support group session is often one hour but can fall anywhere between 45 minutes and two hours. The amount of time that people remain in a support group varies based on their specific needs and goals and the type of therapy. Some individuals may seek a shorter-term group, such as a bereavement group, that may last between six and 20 weeks. Some may seek a longer-term group that lasts for a year or indefinitely.
What are the limitations of support groups?
Support groups have many benefits, but there are a few limitations as well. Support groups do not constitute formal therapeutic or medical treatment, and are not run by licensed mental health professionals, so some people may opt for group therapy or individual therapy instead. Additionally, support groups can depend on the other participants, so a disruptive individual has the potential to mar the group dynamic, and the anecdotal information shared may sometimes be unhelpful or inaccurate. Because it is a group setting, confidentiality can be more difficult to guard and participants receive less personalized attention than they would in an individual therapy session.